I'm gonna be another idiot to post an answer, The fact of the matter is that NEITHER Obama NOR Romney is good for this country. Both believe in man made global warming, they both agree about the NDAA. Romney said bailing out the auto industry was his idea. the list goes on all day Ive got 30+ points about their similarities but there's too many to list here.The pattern of the Jokers continues, from George W. to Obama to Romney if he's elected. but we are led to believe that the only way to go is to vote within the two party system DEMS or REPS, they don't want you thinkin outside the box for Libertarian or Cnstituttional or Independent. but people STILL go for one or the other, we the people need to start letting these idiots know that we don't need to be told that the two party way is the only way to go. Gary Johnson is my TRUE choice. but unfortunately I'll have to vote Rommie-boy just to keep a split vote from occuring and Obama winning by default. and THAT boys and girls is the unfortunate truth of the matter.

Well Eric, seein' as how these guys don't even follow the rules laid out in the Bill of Rights or the Constitution, I don't see where I gotta follow THEIR rules yknow what I mean. but the "fix" is in until the of-age voting population makes enough of a rukus to effect some kinda REAL change in the way we vote

I know right, makes me sick, I'm surprised Cindy Sheehan is allowing herself to align with such an idiot like her, no wonder why the lamestream media presstitutes don't take 3rd party candidates seriously.

Interesting that WW is heavily West Coasters, that Romney is in the lead of this poll. Generally voting Republican in California is a wasted vote.

What does "wasted vote" mean really? The way you used it in the sentence suggests that voting for the person/party that ultimately loses is a "waste". I contend that voting for someone who doesn't represent your principles/values and doing so because "they can win", IS in fact a "wasted vote". That term really gets me hot under the collar. RANT OVER. Sorry.

I think this poll and our group here says a lot... we have a few right-wing nuts, a few left-wing nuts and a bunch of people in the middle. Romney is winning 70% to 18%. Now, on average we will have higher incomes than the average citizen but it is still telling. I think Romney will win easily with independents which is why he will win the election 280 to 258.

The president is elected by electoral college votes, not popular votes. Therefore it is believed that a person residing in at a geographical point that is dominated by one party is wasting his time voting because while he can change the popular vote by 1, he cannot affect the electoral vote in the slightest. This is why so much attn is on swing states, or states equally divided. In these states small changes in the popular vote can change the electoral vote. In states like CA or TX, the electoral vote is pretty much cast in stone.

^So in a "swing state" what would you recommend to the person who doesnt want to vote for the nominee of the dominate party? Not vote at all? Under that assumption, why should anyone waste thier time to go vote in a non-swing state? Shouldn't we just cancel the election in the blue and red states and let the swing states figure it out? A vote is not wasted if you vote for the person you have trust and confidence in, no matter the party the canidate is affiliated with.

I was just having a discussion w/a co-worker about the electoral college. It is pretty frustrating that the candidates focus so much attention on the "swing states" leaving folks in solid red or blue states to think their vote doesn't count (if they're in the minority in that state).

In a state-by-state analysis of the ones who have adopted NPVIC and when they did so, it looks like it was a reaction to the bush gore election (where bush got the majority of electoral votes and gore got more popular vote) since it's clearly solid blue states that have passed such legislation.

But what i think would be the result is the silent majority (being displayed in the poll in this very discussion) would be much more energized to vote and turnout amongst conservatives would make it difficult for a liberal win any time in the near future. The country is center-right. I'm willing to bet there are tons of republicans in California, New York, etc that don't bother showing up because they know there's no point. All of their states electoral votes are going to the dem. They would then have a reason to show up. Of course the same could be said in the solid red states too, but stats support the idea that outside of party affiliation and elections, we're a center-right nation.

The down-side of it is when we are really closely divided it takes us a long time to heal from nail-biter elections. When there is a decisive winner (as is more possible in the current electoral process) it allows us to move on more quickly.

Thanks again for the link. I've never heard of this initiative.
(sorry, i know this was supposed to be a "vote and move on" thread.

I agree with a lot of your analysis (although I don't think a WW poll is representative of the US population). You can say the same about a lot of apathetic dem voters in red states (Texas is a good example, see my other thread about Texas). I also imagine that both sides would have to shake up the way they do things in order to get their turnout (which is a good thing in some ways - dems pushing for online voting to get the youth vote out, etc) - it would certainly change the way the money was spent...

I hope everyone voted or are on their way. No matter who you are voting for it is nice to have an opportunity to participate. China is getting a new leader. If you think our system is messed up, research that a bit.

In these states small changes in the popular vote can change the electoral vote. In states like CA or TX, the electoral vote is pretty much cast in stone.

I agree, but in terms of what Adam R is stating you should always vote your conscience. If it is a third party try to get that 5% it helps in the next cycle with funding and messaging. Also might make the contest closer between two bad candidates and require the winner to walk a tighter line as they do not have a landslide mandate.